Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), including Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), are implementing measures to optimise mine water utilisation for irrigation, industrial, and domestic purposes. By repurposing excess mine water, these initiatives help reduce groundwater extraction while ensuring sustainable water management. 

Regular quality monitoring is conducted by accredited laboratories to ensure the treated mine water meets the required standards for irrigation and domestic use.

Additionally, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge measures are integrated to maintain the groundwater balance. In FY 2024-25 (up to February 2025), Coal and Lignite PSUs supplied approximately 3.96.3 Million Kilo Litres MLKL) of treated mine water to local communities in coal and lignite mining regions. 

Coal and Lignite PSUs continue to invest in mine water treatment infrastructure as part of their statutory obligations under Environmental Clearance, Consent to Establish, and Consent to Operate guidelines. Key infrastructure includes: 

A notable initiative includes an MoU between Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) and Maharashtra State Power Generation Corporation Limited to supply treated mine water from the Bhanegaon Open Cast Mine to the Kaparkheda Thermal Power Station. This agreement has freed up Irrigation Department water, which was previously allocated to the power plant, making it available for domestic and agricultural use. 

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, provided this update in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, emphasising the government's commitment to sustainable water resource management in mining regions. 

(PIB)